Have you ever started something for fun? No plans for “why,” you’re doing it, it’s happening “just because.” Kind of like singing the Sanford and Son theme song whenever you dust or dancing in the shower to music to start your day. (You do that too right?) Maybe it even becomes a habit, and your day feels lacking unless this ritual takes place. Sound familiar, It’s happened to me. In fact, I’m living it right now.
For the past 1000 days I’ve been taking a photo of my morning cup of coffee “from where I stand.” In some ways it feels like I’ve been doing this forever, this new habit that I’ve created. One that makes me happy, a daily creative exercise to challenge my sleepy brain jolting it awake through a combination of caffeine and mental exercise. Did I ever tell you I’m not a morning person? Half of the year I’m shooting in my pajamas, and in the winter I’m rarely without my cozy, worn slippers to keep me nice and toasty warm.
Since I last shared my thoughts on this project 500 days ago, it has received an official name: The Mug Chronicles, for which I have muse Vanessa Snow to thank, and it has it’s very own website dedicated to these 1000 mornings and those to come. My “Good Morning Coffee” shots have evolved over time with new themes emerging into this ritual of “me” time, this habitual grounding that takes place every day. But I also fall into the pattern of “old faithfuls,” regular compositions I often fall back on when my creative muscles are still asleep. Today, I thought I’d give you a list of ideas to help keep your daily photo project feeling fresh, exciting and new!
My top 10 Tips for Keeping a Daily “Themed” Photo Project Alive
1. Seek Out Shapes
2. Seek Out Repetitive Patterns
3. Look for Interesting Reflections
4. Creative Groupings Tell a Story
5. Record Emotional Connections
6. Explore Perspective for Diversity
7. Use light to Portray Mood
8. Selective Cropping Adds Compositional Interest
9. Add props to Share Time and Place
10. Less is More
Last but not least, when things get boring, enlist a friend for some inspiration, put on some music and dance!
Above all have fun!
I hope these tips help keep your daily project fresh and full of life. As for me, I’ll be snapping my morning coffee for the next couple of months as I close in on year three before deciding if the end is in sight.
Until Next time,
Holly ~ Soupatraveler
I love these ideas! 1000 days is quite an achievement.
Thanks Leanne! I’m glad you enjoyed the tips too!
Awesome! I love this project and all of the details it shows about you! Congratulations on the milestone–you are my hero!
Thank You Lee Ann! A hero? No way!!! You’re the best 🙂
*You* are awesome, Holly; this is absolutely brilliant! And thank you for that last shot of Major, which made me grin – it’s like he’s singing and hugely enjoying it 🙂
Thank you so much Jenny! I love that shot too! Makes me so happy to see it 🙂
Congrats, Holly!! These are a fabulous collection and I love the tips you shared. WOOT!
Thanks Meghan! It was fun to see them all together!
I love seeing these grouped together! Great tips, great project, congrats on 1000!!!! 🙂
Thanks Tara!
amazing Holly!
Thank you Amy!
These are all awesome Holly!! I follow you on Instagram so some were familiar but lots of new ones! I had no idea you have been doing this for 1000 days, congratulations! You have such a creative eye, thanks for sharing all your tips! I especially love the ones with Major, he’s so cute 🙂
Thank you Kathy! I appreciate the follow and your taking the time to come here and read my post! I’m so glad you liked my tips 🙂
Love it !
🙂
What fantastic tips, Holly! And huge congrats on reaching 1000! More please! xox
Thanks Kirstin! At least another 95 days until year three, wow!
I sure adore you and look forward to these each and every single day. I ADORE seeing so many all in one spot. I will for sure check out your website, geesh…had no idea about that one. I just have a warm spot in my heart for the dancing in the rain one…..that one is sort of personal. xo
Thanks Tracie! I just shared the website today, so it was an unveiling of sorts too! Loved sharing that week with you! We will have to do it again 🙂
lol, I had not noticed the link to our coffee dates!! until I saw your FB message to me. I love you friend.
Amazing project! Love it and your tips.
thanks Melody!
Holly, Wow, these are so great and seeing them all together is incredible!
Thank you Nikki!
Wonderful habit and collection! And those tips are going to come in handy! Thanks!
thank you Goda! I’m so glad you liked the tips!
Every time I see your shots in my flickr stream, it reminds me of shooting more often, of shooting for me and of seeing the beauty in the ordinary.
Thanks for that, Holly!
Oh Carolin, thanks for those words! I’m so happy my work has that affect on you 🙂
That is a long time to be doing a project. good for you. these were great tips. i loved the bit about you not being a morning person. made me smile.
Thanks you! Yes, despite loving mornings and wishing I could get up earlier, getting the day going is always a struggle.
I think you have great vision !!! You are so creative and full of energy… I love what you do, the way you do it.
I would like to know where do you come from ? How big is your Tiny House ? What’s your plans next ?
I have to tell you something… I’ve been taking pictures since I’m 12. I’ve never taken any lessons or what but I can shoot marvelous pictures. I took photographs of my friend’s wedding. There were so nice. I love the experience. The photography makes me happy, bring me peace and release, finally, my whole creativity . I very happy about the new technology because it cost me an arm an a leg with the old ones and my parents told me that I could’ve bought a house …. 🙂 Thank you, hoping to hear from your nice place wherever you are ! Say hi to your pets 🙂
Hi Nicole! Thank you for your kind words! I live in Philadelphia in 900 sq ft 🙂 We’ll see how much longer I continue past mid-July when I hit the three year mark. Who knows…it just might continue 🙂 Keep on shooting!
Awesome. I’m a week into a new project. Will defiantly keep these in mind.
Fantastic Paula! Good luck with your project!
SOoo good Holly! Congrats-big time!! I love these tips too. Thanks! XO
Thank you Vanessa! Glad you liked the tips!
This is just so awesome Holly. Congratulations! And these are great tips!
Thank you Cathy!
Congrats Holly – what an achievement! Your photos are so inspiring and refreshing. And, Major might just be the cutest doggie model ever… don’t tell my granddogs!!!!
Thank you Mary!!! And thanks for checking out my post 🙂 I agree, Major is one handsome fellow!
I love that you have been at this for 1000 days–what an accomplishment!! And I just adore this whole post. Bravo. xo
Thank you Christy! I’m so glad you like it, xo
Holly, I am absolutely stunned by your creativity. Such an awesome collection of images, full of beauty and at times, really touching. Thank you for sharing and congratulations!!
Kelly thank you so much for those kind words! And for checking out my post too 🙂
This is absolutely brilliant! love reading all your tips and seeing all the photos. wonderful stuff.
Thank you Faith! I’m so glad you liked it!
I have loved watching this project! So so good!
Thank you Staci!!!
You’re so cute and so is Maj. I’ve loved watching this project of yours (and taking part in it on occasion!).
thank you Kim! I’m so happy you’re a part of my project too!
Love this post, Holly. 1000 days – whoa, that`s so cool. I`m only on day 100 with my year in teacups – your tips will come in handy for the rest of the year for sure.
thank you elke! I loved the shot you shared on Instagram too!
wonderful post, Holly! I’m fascinated by your tips and the images you supply as examples! I’d like to keep them in mind for my sunday project. and admire your creativity and commitment a lot! so happy to be following you along your adventure(s) xo
thank Marina! I’m glad you like the tips and hope it helps you on your project too!
I have so enjoyed your daily pics. Congratulations on hitting 1000, Holly!
Thanks Vanessa!
great post, Holly, what a story! 1000 days – congratulations!!! I so much love the tips you shared, thank you.
Thank you Corinna!
so fantastic, holly! kudos on this amazing project…what dedication.
plus you gathered such fantastic groupings to enhance your ten tips. so wonderful!!
hooray xo
Thank you Michelle!
Fantastic accomplishment! Thank you so much for the tips! xx Estelle
Thank you Estelle!
Have loved following your work! Congratulations on 1000 days…cheers to 1000 more lovlie xO
Thank you Charlene! I’m so glad we got to meet a few years ago too!
wow, 1,000 days! bravo to you and a standing ovation, as well. fantastic post, photos and tips. well done, holly!
Wow, I’m so impressed. 1000 days! I did something like that too last year with “one year of cups” (one-year-of-cups.tumblr.com) and didn’t even took every day a photo. This is so amazing, that you manage to take a photo every day! And I love your shots. I stumbled about one or two of your photos before… they are so lovely.
Wow, you are a girl who finishes what she starts! 1000 days is quite an accomplishment, much to be proud of there! I love, love, love, your dog, I swear he/she is smiling in some of those photos…..